HB245 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Mack N. ButlerRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Human trafficking, increase criminal penalties for obstructing enforcement of, Secs. 13A-6-152, 13A-6-153 am'd.

Summary

HB 245 would raise penalties for obstructing enforcement of Alabama's human trafficking laws.

What This Bill Does

It increases the punishment for obstructing enforcement of human trafficking laws: first-degree obstruction would be a Class C felony, and second-degree obstruction would be a Class A misdemeanor (and in some cases a Class B felony). It also clarifies that corporations or other entities can be prosecuted for human trafficking if an employee acts within the scope of employment. The bill notes it defines a new or amended crime, which affects local fund rules, but it is exempt from local expenditure approval requirements. The act would take effect on the first day of the third month after it is passed and signed into law.

Who It Affects

• Individuals who obstruct or interfere with the enforcement of human trafficking laws (higher penalties for obstruction).
• Corporations or other legal entities, if an employee or agent commits the obstructing conduct within the scope of employment while engaged in human trafficking activity.

Key Provisions

• Amends Sections 13A-6-152 and 13A-6-153 to increase penalties for obstructing enforcement of human trafficking laws.
• First-degree human trafficking obstruction: Class C felony.
• Second-degree human trafficking obstruction: Class A misdemeanor (and potentially a Class B felony depending on context).
• Provides corporate liability: a corporation or entity can be prosecuted for first- or second-degree human trafficking if an agent acts within the scope of employment on behalf of the entity.
• Relates to local funding: bill is exempt from local expenditure requirements because it defines a crime rather than imposing a new local obligation.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Human Trafficking